Sadie + Christian’s wedding was a breathtaking backyard transformation for the books. The two tied the knot at Christian’s parents’ home in Bakersfield, California, and we are so excited to give you a peek at the tropical poolside oasis they created.
Inspired by a Palm Springs vibe and the bright + colorful bougainvillea that grows throughout California in vibrant shades of fuchsia, red, orange, and purple, Sadie + Christian—with the help of event designer Nicole of Nicole Leza Planning & Design and coordinator Erika from Erika Amalia Events—filled the space with tons of bold sunny color, playful tropical energy, and bubbles.
Bride Sadie is a wedding photographer herself, so she knows weddings inside and out. She knew she wanted something that felt different from the zillions of weddings she’s photographed, so she brought a pro’s wisdom + inventiveness to her wedding planning process to make her tropical wedding a reality.
We can’t get enough of Mary Costa Photography’s beautiful photos of this vibrant day. Let’s take a look!
Love Nest Creative totally nailed the bright colors and palm tree details of Sadie + Christian’s wedding invitation suite.
Before “I Do”
“As a wedding photographer, and having been a part of so many weddings, I definitely planned a little differently than most people would.” Sadie says. “I tried to think outside the box and to think of all the small details that others might overlook. I ordered a custom backdrop for my getting ready photos because I knew the Airbnb was a little ‘plain’ looking for my taste. It brought in a little color within our color palette and I really wanted some portraits with some color for when I was fully dressed. “
Breaking news!! A custom newspaper like Sadie + Christian’s might just be the cutest way to introduce your guests to the day’s festivities! Snag a wedding day newspaper template you can customize and print to create your very own.
(And yes of course we caught that Taylor Swift quote headline!)
Lotta Love Floral Design brought SO much tropical-tone floral magic to Sadie + Christian’s day. This vibrant bridal bouquet is only the beginning.
“This was the most difficult part of the wedding planning process,” says Sadie of finding her beautiful off-the-shoulder structured bodice floral sequin appliqué dress from Tal Kedem. “I had pictured myself in a unique flowy dress with a slit in it. As a photographer, I really love those flowy dresses that make for the most beautiful movement photos.”
After hitting 15 different bridal boutiques all over California in her search, Sadie still hadn’t found any dresses that actually felt like “her.” But this one was different. “I tried on my dress and felt something in the pit of my stomach. I had this omg moment and I loved the way it looked on me. I hadn’t had this feeling with any of the dresses I had tried on before.”
“I remember the curtains being closed and seconds before they were opened to show my family I just lost it,” Sadie remembers. “I had my “I found my perfect dress moment” and cried the happiest tears! It was a really special moment for me because I had my mom and close family there to witness this special moment that I honestly thought was just a fake thing you saw on tv. The style was the total opposite of what I imagined I’d wear on my wedding day but was perfect.”
Christian and his crew looked super sharp and ready to celebrate in muted neutral suits from Fino’s Tuxedos and cheeky heart shaped sunglasses.
Sadie’s stunning textured braid and curls were created by Beauty By Corin, as was her radiant glam makeup look.
The sage green of Christian’s wedding suit is the perfect amount of color to compliment yet balance the bright + vivid tones of the day’s florals.
This pearl-covered flower girl dress (reminiscent of the bride’s look! 🥹) was created by Rizzo’s Original.
Our Musical Choices Processional: “Love Story” by Taylor Swift (violin version)
Recessional: "The Office" theme song
First Dance: “Lover” by Taylor Swift
Seriously in love with these fuschia + peach floral towers.
Fun fact cocktail napkins are such an excellent way to personalize your cocktail hour and get your guest chatting.
What would a tropical-inspired wedding be without some tropical signature cocktails?
“So many times I notice my clients missing out on cocktail hour, or other parts of the wedding day because they are off taking sunset portraits,” says Sadie. “I knew I wanted to be as present as possible on my wedding day. We knocked out a ton of photos before the ceremony after our first look and were able to join our guests for cocktail hour! We planned dinner during sunset and snuck off for a few mins to snap a few sunset portraits (unnoticed). We felt truly present with all of our favorite people on our wedding day and this was so important to us.”
Loving the chic + tropical vibe of this pink seating banquet from Let’s Party Prettier!
photography: Mary Costa Photography // event design: Nicole Leza Planning & Design // florals: Latta Love Floral Design // makeup artist: Corin C Stull // groomsmen attire: Jerry Gamez // videography: Carlos Burgos Films // paper goods: Love Nest Creative // handmade details: Nicole Leza Planning & Design // catering: grills gone wild catering // cake: Con Besos // desserts: Con Besos // tabletop rentals: Party Pleasers // furniture rentals: Lets Party Prettier // linen rentals: Walker-Lewis Rents // music: Unique Soundz // photo booth: Patino’s 360 // coordinator: Erika Amalia Events // acrylic signage: Love Lettered By Maria // bridal robe, alterations + flower girl dresses: Rizzo’s Original